The Possible Relation between Pityriasis Alba and Intestinal Parasitic Infestation Among Children in Tikrit City, A Case Control Study

Authors

  • Asaf Kamal Asaad Taha1 , Mazin Hamid Ayyash2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13525

Keywords:

pityriasis alba, erythema streptogenes, pityriasis streptogenes, impetigo furfuracea, pityriasis simplex, parasites, Enterobius vermicularis, pinworm, threadworm, seat worm, nematode, roundworm.

Abstract

Background: There is a solid belief stated that the appearance of hypopigmented patches on children
face is a sign of their helminthic or parasitic intestinal infestation despite the constant health education
about the absence of such relation. Pityriasis Alba (PA) is common benign skin lesion characterized by
fine scaly hypopigmented patches (HP) or macules (1) mostly in the face and upper body parts. (2-4) PA
may be atopic dermatitis related or endemic PA. PA occurs mostly in 3-16 years old children and accounts
of 5% of pediatric population worldwide. Prevalence rate in Iraq is high (38.2%). No specific cause of
PA has been identified. Diagnosis of PA depends on the clinical picture and treatment may implicate
sunscreen and topical corticosteroids despite its self-limiting privilege. Helminthiasis (worm infestation)
is the hosting of parasitic worms after invading humans and other animals necessarily to complete their
lifecycle. Enterobius vermicularis is the most common helminthic intestinal infestation among children in
Iraq. The main complaint of helminthiasis is the perianal itching, especially at bed time. The study aims to
determine the relation of intestinal helminths with PA. Study Design: This prospective and a case-control
study had consisted of 43 males (53.5%) and females (46.5%) children of 5-15 years of age presented with
HP. Results and Discussion: 4 (9.3%) cases presented with Enterobius vermicularis given antihelminthic
drugs and had their infestation eradicated completely after a week. 39 (90.7%) children presented with no
infestation, regarded as control group, and so given placebo treatment. Number and size of HP varied after
the 6 weeks of treatment. Although cases shown more numerous (6.0 ± 2.9) HP and larger size (120.0 ± 72.2)
than control group (4.9 ± 3.6 and 90.0 ± 58.3 respectively), but the difference was not significant for both
groups (cases and control) and between them for both HP number and sizes (p>0.6). Conclusion: There is
no enough prove of the relationship between children intestinal parasitic infestation and the appearance of
hypopigmented patches.

Author Biography

  • Asaf Kamal Asaad Taha1 , Mazin Hamid Ayyash2

    1
    Scholar Researcher, M.B.Ch.B, Salahuldin General Hospital, Iraq, 2FICMS, Higher Diploma in Laser,
    Assistant Professor in Dermatoveneriology, Tikrit University College of Medicine, Iraq

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Published

2020-12-31

How to Cite

The Possible Relation between Pityriasis Alba and Intestinal Parasitic Infestation Among Children in Tikrit City, A Case Control Study. (2020). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(1), 864-870. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13525